…without the panic and drama!

What’s that old saying about change being the only constant?  Change is growth and opportunity. Change is the only thing that allows us to move forward. And…. Change can be FRIGHTENING!!!

“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” – William Pollard

So, here we are – in the middle of massive change. And, as I mentioned last week, I am feeling somewhat optimistic. Mind you, I said SOMEWHAT.

I mean…. I can’t go anywhere, meet with friends, participate in activities…so I might as well look inward and find something to focus on that I CAN control. I am learning some interesting stuff…about me, about my place in the world, and what I might try next to make a difference in the world. I have “changed course” (kinda had to, yes?). I have reconnected with things and activities that bring me joy. I have learned a lot about how I think and operate!

“Access your most creative thinking to make your life more closely align with your talents and values.” M. J. Ryan

Permission to BE ME granted!

I’m revisiting a great book called “How to Survive Change…You Didn’t Ask For” by M.J. Ryan. The subtitle reads “How to Bounce Back, Find Calm in Chaos, and Reinvent Yourself.” Perfect timing!! 😊 This year, all of us have experienced change we didn’t ask for, but I began reading this book long before the upheaval of 2020. I was experiencing changes I didn’t ask for: loss of a loved ones and pets one after the other, serious discontent in my life, job, and direction, financial worries, and then stress induced illness. I was seeking something, ANYTHING, that could help bring clarity. THEN, 2020 hit! $%*#@!!!!!

One of the key ideas in this book is that, while I can’t control the bad stuff that happens around me, I can adjust how I react to it. I am not alone in this. And neither are you. It is normal to feel what we are feeling. No need to beat ourselves up. On the other hand, action is also needed if we are to make forward progress. I learned that catastrophic change could open my eyes to needed reinvention. In the words of Dr. Wayne Dyer, “Don’t die with your music still in you.”

“Don’t die with your music still in you.” Dr. Wayne Dyer

My Passion

The challenges that have occurred in my life during the last 4 years, and especially the last 12 months, have brought new opportunities to light. I was living a life that was not mine. It was quite difficult to see at first. With coaching and time, I began to see a need for change. I resonated with this book greatly because it speaks to one of my deepest touch points – I must gain access to my most creative thinking to align my life more closely with my talents and values. This is a topic that truly worked for me and that I have a deep desire to teach.

Take Action

In my previous posts, I have listed several ideas for self-discovery that can help you get in touch with your talents and values. For now, let’s work on the thinking that gets in the way and clouds out the real you. Here are a few actions you can take today that will help make change without the panic and drama.

1. Gratitude. It’s been said before, but it bears repeating. Spend time every day focusing on things you CAN be grateful for. Write in a journal, by hand or digitally, several things that you are grateful for. I do this before bed every night, and first thing in the morning upon waking. Some days I am overflowing with ideas. Other days, all I can muster is central heat and a bed! Regardless, what you focus on expands. Focus on gratitude.
2. Acknowledge your inner “drama-queen” (or king). We all worry, now more than ever! OK, let’s do this. Don’t half-ass it! Go all in! Set a specific time to worry, a time every day that you can go off the rails! Let’s say 10 minutes at 1:00 pm. If you find yourself getting sucked in during other times, tell yourself it’s not time yet and reassure your mind that it will have permission later. Put the idea on your “Worry-to-do-list” and come back to it later. I often found that when I did go back to the list, the “issue” was no longer relevant, or I had a clear idea for a solution. Now, I often find myself laughing so hard my sides hurt.
3. This too shall pass. The idea is to focus on a positive future for yourself. This one is credited to the above-mentioned book by M. J. Ryan. She suggests that we focus on where we WANT to be a year from now. Then list small actions you can take today that will take you in that direction. THEN DO THEM! NO big, grandiose goals here! They must be small enough to be achievable today. Wishful thinking is not enough. We must be able to take action, no matter how small.

Leave a comment below on what you have tried and what is working. Or ask me a question and I will get back to you. Sign up for my newsletter and join me here and I will continue to share……. my journey, the things that worked for me, how things are going so far. And DM me if you would like help getting your life back on track.

Photo by Natalie Dmay on Unsplash